At Frame Lab, The New Raw puts a positive twist on plastic waste in public spaces

February 06, 2018

Text Sofia Lekka Angelopoulou

Amsterdam – 3D-printing technology has been steadily growing in momentum – unsurprisingly considering its potential for customization and material experimentation. On 21 - 22 February, Frame Lab highlights some of the most exciting developments in 3D printing, from algae-based objects to personalized on-demand flooring, alongside talks, panel discussions and workshops from industry leaders such as David Gianotten of OMA, Ben van Berkel, UNStudio founder, and Carla Cammilla Hjort, Space10 founder.

Rotterdam-based studio The New Raw employs 3D printing to shorten material cycles and create sustainably and locally produced pieces of public furniture. First developed as part of their research project Print Your City, the 100% recyclable XXX bench was designed for the Municipality of Amsterdam and produced from plastic household waste. According to the studio’s research, each resident in the city generates an average of 23 kg of plastic waste per year: enough to 3D print one XXX bench per every two residents annually. The bench is shaped in the form of a double-sided rocking chair and can accommodate two to four people, encouraging users to interact with each other to either find balance or playfully engage in a sort of seesaw.

Printed in collaboration with Aectual, the XXX bench is made of processed plastic waste and is customizable in terms of shape and function, inviting citizens to participate in its design and production process.

Get tickets to the Frame Lab here to discover more innovative designs shaping the future of spaces.